Homophobia hurts our league. Racism hurts it. Sexism hurts it.
Interpretation
Discrimination in any form damages the integrity and unity of a community.
In this quote, Sue Bird emphasizes that various forms of discrimination—be it homophobia, racism, or sexism—are detrimental not just to individuals but to the entire league as a whole. By recognizing the harm caused by these prejudices, we are encouraged to foster an inclusive environment that benefits everyone involved.
In practice
Using this quote at a sports event to promote inclusivity.
A lot of us players, if you were to ask them, feel like they have to play overseas. Why? 'Why not? Might as well do it while I can.' For a while, I felt that way - I've got to make the most money that I can. Now, do I feel like I could still play overseas? Absolutely. But I don't feel that pressure anymore.
All of the teams in this league that have won multiple championships, they didn't come out the gate winning. Sometimes you have to take those hits to understand what it takes to win.
As quickly as you can go 4-1, you can go 1-4. And the whole objective is not to get too high and not to get too low. It's one thing to tell somebody that and explain it, but it's another thing to really buy in, to have felt that and understand what it means to stay even-keel. That's what you have to be in this league.
When you are falling --- Dive!
Fear, true fear, is a savage frenzy. Of all the insanities of which we are capable, it is surely the cruelest. There is naught to equal its drive, and naught can survive its thrust.
It is not just a person's physical constitution, their intellegence, their education, or even their social conditioning that enables them to withstand hardship. Much more significant is their inner development. And while some may be able to survive through sheer willpower, the ones who suffer the least are those who have a high degree of patience and courage in the face of adversity.
I was hell bent on destruction... it was like being possessed by a demon.
So I didn't pass. It was the army's decision that they didn't want me to go into the service. They're the boss. I don't want to say no whole lot about it.
Refugees don't make our country less safe. But xenophobia, fear and hate do.
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